Are free college essays online worth looking at for inspiration?

Reading free college essays online can actually be helpful for inspiration, but it really depends on how you approach them and your mindset while reading. A lot of students find these essays useful for getting a feel for what works, how other people structure their stories, and the variety of topics people explore.

One strategy is to pay attention to how each essay introduces a topic, develops a narrative, and reveals something meaningful about the applicant. For example, you might read an essay about someone making art from recycled materials. While you wouldn't copy the topic, seeing how that student connects a unique hobby to their growth could give you ideas about highlighting your own passions or approaches to challenges.

That said, it’s very common to feel intimidated or even discouraged if you read a bunch of essays and they all seem amazing. If you find yourself getting more stressed, try limiting how many you read, or just focus on a specific aspect, like openings or endings, rather than the entire essay. Remember, the point isn’t to live up to someone else’s work, but to remind yourself of all the different ways people can tell their stories.

If you get stuck, sometimes one sentence or theme in a sample essay can spark an idea. For example, maybe a student wrote about their experience as a sibling caregiver during the pandemic and it makes you realize you could write about your relationship with your younger brother, but through the lens of teaching him a new skill instead. Use these essays for techniques, not templates.

In summary, free essays can be a valuable resource for inspiration, as long as you use them to fuel your own thinking and not as a measuring stick for whether your idea is "good enough." Give yourself permission to put your unique spin on your story. If reading sample essays motivates or clarifies things for you, go for it—but if it makes you anxious, focus on personal brainstorming instead. Everyone’s process is different, so trust what helps you move forward.